1.7 Reading ideocalligraphy

Ideocalligraphs are 'a visual representation of meaning' and are best read directly, either intuitively to start with or after first memorising their primary meanings. Grouped in a statement or message they carry levels of 'meaning by visual association' and the primary meaning assimilates these contextual levels.

In a simple textual translation of ideocalligraphy these levels could well remain hidden. In short, understanding a text and taking in the meaning of an ideocalligraphic message follow different pathways. They can be complementary but they are different, the text appearing bland and the ideocalligraphy truly communicative.